How the development of Agaléga figures in India’s vision for its maritime neighborhood

Subject: IR

Section: Places in news

Context:

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated an airstrip and the St James Jetty on North Agaléga Island in the Indian Ocean.

More on news:

The development of the Agaléga Islands is in the socio-economic and national security interest of Mauritius, and also aligns with India’s maritime vision.

Why is Agaléga important to Mauritius?

The islands, which is a dependency of Mauritius, were not developed for many years.
The near absence of an official government or security presence was a serious vulnerability for Mauritius.
This vulnerability could be converted to strength by developing the islands and creating facilities that could operate ships and aircraft.
Building a jetty and an airstrip was therefore considered imperative by the government of Mauritius.
They chose India as their preferred development partner.

Why did Mauritians choose India?

Ties between India and Mauritius go back to 1948, 20 years before the country’s independence from Britain.
Seventy per cent of the inhabitants of Mauritius are of Indian origin, and the two countries share deep historical, social, and cultural bonds.
Considering the sensitivities in Mauritius over issues of sovereignty and security, both sides progressed with utmost caution, and every concern was appropriately addressed before the project got off the ground.

How will the development of Agaléga help Mauritius?

The new jetty and airstrip will enable a larger and more credible government presence on the islands, and the stationing or forward deployment of ships of the Mauritius Coast Guard.
It will be possible to better monitor and police the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that extends 200 nautical miles outward from these islands.

What is in it for India?

The joint development of Agaléga underscores India’s commitment to the vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), and its willingness to assist smaller maritime nations in building capacity and developing capability.
It will indicate to other maritime neighbors that India is a benign and friendly country that respects the sovereignty of independent nations.
India would like to emerge as the preferred development and security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

About Agalega Islands:

Agaléga is a group of two islands with a total area of 26 sq km and a native population of about 300 people.
It lies approximately 650 nautical miles (1,050 km) north of Mauritius, and belongs to the island nation.
Agaléga is a dependency of Mauritius which consists of two outer islands located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,050 km (650 mi) north of Mauritius Island.
Agalega is explicitly defined by the Constitution of Mauritius, part of the Sovereignty of Mauritius, together with the following islands Rodrigues, Tromelin, Cargados Carajos (Saint Brandon), Chagos Archipelago, Diego Garcia and other islands included in the State of Mauritius.